| PLAN THE PERFECT |
TOO OFTEN LEFT AS AN AFTERTHOUGHT, WINDOW DRESSINGS CAN TRANSFORM YOUR SPACE, AS OUR THREE EXPERTS SHARE
PLAY TO CURVES
Show off an arched window with a double pinch pleat curtain, hung close to the ceiling, rather than cluttering lines with a blind. Curtain in Isala in Mint, £58.50m, Romo
MEET THE EXPERTS
DEIRDRE MC GETTRICK, FOUNDER OF SEARCH AND COMPARISON WEBSITE UFURNISH.COM
so you’re planning a room makeover? It’s time to give your windows some love, says our trio of curtain and blind experts. It’s important to think of practicality as well as style, with the shape and size of your window and the room’s function as important as the fabric, heading and lining choice. ‘So many people forget to include window treatments when planning a new look. Windows take up a huge amount of space within a room and are an ideal canvas for expressing your creativity,’ says Yvonne.
A NEW BOLDNESS
‘Compared to 20 years ago, our choice of window dressings is relatively safe today,’ says Deirdre. ‘Back then, we were confident about having pelmets and curtain tiebacks, as well as lots of pattern. Then we had the grey Scandi-inspired phase, and now colour is making a return.’
Chloe says we are being bolder, but it’s ‘with pattern and texture’, rather than ornate treatments. ‘People are increasingly viewing windows as focal points and using curtains and blinds as opportunities for self-expression and creativity. We’re even seeing unexpected combinations, like bold patterned curtains with sleek blinds.’ Yvonne adds: ‘Spending more time at home over the past few years highlighted that we deserve a secure and comfortable space to support our wellbeing – but we also need joyful colours and patterns to inject energy into our home environments.’
NEAT FINISH
For a sleek, fuss-free finish, try concealing your curtain rails behind a structural pelmet
TRENDS TO WATCH
When it comes to window treatments, the choice is vast. ‘We’ve found that most people are happy with blinds, which serve to block out the light, but are less likely to buy curtains. This is partly influenced by new technologies, including double- and tripleglazed windows, meaning homes are warmer and curtains aren’t required to keep the breeze out,’ says Deirdre. ‘As for pattern versus plain, it often depends on personal taste and the room’s design,’
